Rangers Overcome Hibs to Book Semi-Final Spot
It was a night at Ibrox that carried more weight than just another cup tie. Rangers hosted Hibernian in the League Cup quarter-finals, and while the result was a 2-0 victory for the home side, the real story was how it unfolded and what it might mean for the weeks ahead.
The build-up had been anything but calm. Head coach Russell Martin has faced fierce pressure from the fans, with protests both outside and inside the stadium calling for change. Even chief executive Patrick Stewart’s name was brought into the chants. So, when the players stepped onto the pitch, the tension was undeniable. What unfolded, however, turned out to be exactly the kind of response Rangers needed.
The first breakthrough came in the 42nd minute. Nicolas Raskin, a player who had recently been sidelined after a fallout with Martin, reminded everyone why he is considered a key figure. Rising to meet James Tavernier’s delivery, Raskin glanced in a header that lifted the nerves around the ground. Just before halftime, Bojan Miovski doubled the lead, tapping in to give Rangers a comfortable 2-0 advantage heading into the break.
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That cushion was enough. Hibs never really looked like mounting a comeback. Their energy seemed flat, while Rangers grew into the game, controlling possession and limiting chances. By full-time, the sense of relief was written all over the faces of players and coaching staff alike.
For Raskin, this match was about more than the goal. He had been left out of the side in recent weeks, and the relationship between him and Martin was questioned. But his performance on the night was full of drive, composure, and a willingness to fight for the shirt. After being substituted late on, he left the pitch to a standing ovation, shaking hands with his manager in a gesture that suggested bridges had at least begun to be rebuilt.
Raskin himself admitted afterward that “everything hasn’t been perfect,” but he stressed that both he and the manager had cleared the air. He spoke about wanting to give everything for the fans and for the club, putting personal issues to the side. His words, combined with his performance, made him the clear man of the match.
Still, not all was sweetness and light. Even after the final whistle, some boos mixed with the cheers inside Ibrox. The protests may have been quieted for the night, but it remains uncertain if this result will be enough to change minds about Martin’s future.
For now, though, Rangers are through to the semi-finals, and that achievement cannot be overlooked. A place at Hampden is secured, belief has been restored at least temporarily, and Nicolas Raskin has put himself firmly back in the spotlight. The season is far from over, but this felt like an important step in easing the storm clouds hanging over Ibrox.
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